Benjamin Levy

• Name — Benjamin Bennett Levy • Born — 1845 • Died — 1921 • Birthplace — New York City • Place of death — Brooklyn, New York • Burial Place — Cypress Hill Cemetery, Brooklyn • Burial Label — Place of burial • Allegiance — United States Union • Branch — United States Army Union Army • Service Years — 1861–1863, 1864–1865 • Rank — Sergeant • Unit — New York Company B, 1st New York Infantry • Battles — American Civil War • Awards — Medal of Honor

Levy as born in New York City and enlisted in the Union Army from Newport News, Virginia in October 1861. After Benjamin's drum was destroyed during the Battle of Glendale (Frayser's Farm) on 30 June 1862, he took the weapon of his ill tent mate, Jacob Turnbull, and joined the fight. Shortly thereafter, he saw the color bearer, Charley Mahorn, fall from a bullet wound to the chest; Levy picked up Mahorn's flag and joined the charge. Levy enlisted with the 1st New York Infantry Regiment from Newport News, Virginia in October 1861, and mustered out in May 1863. He re-enlisted with the 40th New York Infantry Regiment in January 1864 and was discharged due to disability in May 1865. Benjamin Levy was the first Jewish American to be cited for and later receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. He died 20 July 1921 in Brooklyn, New York and is buried there in Cypress Hill Cemetery.